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Parents' Guide to

Polityka

By Danny Brogan, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Polish drama hits out at politics; language, sex, and drugs.

Movie NR 2019 134 minutes
Polityka Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • Polityka Movie: Scene #1
  • Polityka Movie: Scene #2
  • Polityka Movie: Scene #3

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What's the Story?

POLITYKA takes a "fictitious" look at the political scene in Poland, highlighting the cheating, bribery, and dirty tactics in both the professional and personal lives of those involved in the government and Church. Will anyone try to put a stop to the ongoing corruption?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Polish director Patryk Vega's movie takes more potshots at the political system than a local pool tournament. Whether it's politicians stabbing each other in the back -- metaphorically -- or the Church dictating proceedings from the shadows, no one comes out unscathed. The movie has been criticized for it's political bias; supporters of the country's current governing party, PiS, in particular have been very vocal. While it's true that the "fictionalized" version of the government certainly resembles PiS and that they are very much at the heart of Vega's wrath, Polityka appears to be taking aim at the system as a whole. The overriding message is that power corrupts, and all involved are not just part of the problem, they are the problem.

Vega has managed to recruit some of Poland's finest actors. Andrzej Grabowski, in particular, as the Chairman -- who may or may not be a secret homosexual -- is impressive whenever he's on-screen. However, the extras -- particularly in the protest scenes -- appear to lack any direction, a criticism that must fall at Vega's door. The use of the aftermath of a rape as a means of showing how far the political and religious classes are willing to go in order to achieve their ambitions, while succeeding in making its point, also leaves an uneasy feeling.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the strong language in Polityka. Does it seem necessary, or excessive? What does it contribute to the movie? Did the fact that it was in subtitles make it more or less impactful?

  • Discuss the sexual violence in the movie. How do you think it was portrayed? Do you think it was necessary to tell the story?

  • How are drinking and drug use portrayed? Are there consequences? Why is that important?

  • What political and social issues are raised? What do you think the director is trying to say about them? Do you think it's a fair representation of real life?

Movie Details

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